Former Leicester star Adam Balding will return to action for Leeds Carnegie as they travel to his former club this Saturday in the Guinness Premiership.

Balding this week extended his loan deal at Headingley Carnegie until the end of the season and is one of seven changes made to the starting line up.

Only one of those is in the back line with Alberto Di Bernardo returning to replace James Brooks at fly half.

Rob Rawlinson replaces Vili Ma'asi at hooker alongside Fosi Pala'amo who is back after being away on compassionate leave, he replaces Tommy McGee who has a rib injury. Pablo Bouza joins Erik Lund in the second row which means that Kearnan Myall reverts to flanker in place of Jon Dunbar who picked up a knock at the weekend.

Hendre Fourie will start for only the second time since joining Leeds Carnegie in place of Calum Clark whilst Balding replaces Rhys Oakley at the base of the scrum, with Clark and Oakley both suffering from a knee injury and groin strain respectively.

Richard Welding and Tom Biggs are still unavailable in the back line through injury.

"There will be changes to the side this week," commented Director of Rugby Stuart Lancaster, "Some are enforced by injury however the majority are changes I would have made anyway, the exception to that is Stuart Hooper who would have Captained the side if he had not suffered a calf injury in his comeback game against Bath. It is a frustration for him but it is not too serious and he should be right for next week.

"Up front some of the forwards have been working exceptionally hard lately and it is important for me to consider the bigger picture and the mental and physical health of the squad, not only for our trip to Leicester but also our forthcoming games against Bristol, Worcester and Newcastle. With strength in depth, I have the opportunity to bring in players who are fresh and eager for the chance and refresh mentally and physically one or two others for the challenges ahead."

"Mentally, a losing run tests any team but the spirit and cohesion in the squad is still high and that will stand us in good stead for the challenges ahead.

"I am sure Leicester will be looking for a reaction following their last minute lost at home to Sale last week and with their internationals back they will present us with a formidable challenge. However, these are the games that all players want to play in and we exciting about the challenge that awaits us."

Leeds Carnegie:
15. Leigh Hinton
14. John Holtby
13. Jonny Hepworth
12. Andy Tuilagi
11. Apo Satala
10. Alberto Di Bernardo
9. Joe Bedford (c)
1. Mike MacDonald
2. Rob Rawlinson
3. Fosi Pala'amo
4. Erik Lund
5. Pablo Bouza
6. Kearnan Myall
7. Hendre Fourie
8. Adam Balding

16. Adam Hopcroft
17. Vili Ma'asi
18. Danny Paul
19. Mark Lock
20. James Brooks
21. Lee Blackett
22. Rob Vickerman